Frequently Asked Questions - Pre-Departure

You will need to apply for a visa before departing for Syria. Visas are typically granted for three months. We will send out official letters of invitation to all participants which can be included with a visa request. We will also guide you through the visa process once you have been formally accepted into the program.

For information on vaccinations and other travel tips regarding health visit the Center For Disease Control website at: http://www.cdc.gov/travel/mideast.htm. Many vaccinations require boosters or multiple shots so please plan in advance and accordingly.

Pack light if possible. It will be hot, so pack for warm weather, but also please plan on dressing somewhat conservatively (no shorts or sleeveless shirts, for example). You should also bring at least one light jacket for cold nights.

Some other things you might consider packing:

A digital camera
A laptop (rooms come with free internet access)
An ethernet cable (required for internet access)
One set of formal clothes (appropriate for a wedding)
A bathing suit
A towel (for swimming)
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
A hat (for sun protection)
A debit card (there are ATMs here)
A Visa or Mastercard
A watch or clock with an alarm
A notebook with pencils or pens
An electrical adaptor (so you can plug in electronic devices from U.S.)
Any medication you need
Cash for your daily expenses
A headscarf (for women) for visits to Holy SItes
A xeroxed copy of your ticket and passport
Address and phone number of St. Elias Monastery

Your tickets to Damascus will be expensive. If you are flying from the United States it can cost anywhere from $1,200 to $2,300 for round trip airfare. Factor this in to your overall costs. Finding cheap flights is often one of the most difficult tasks of traveling to the Middle East. No matter what you try, the cost will be significant. The earlier you buy tickets the better. Below we provide links, tips, and other information as well as contact information for two travel agents we recommend using.

A few hints:
1. Spend the extra time to compare prices.
2. Buy tickets as soon as possible.
3. Try leaving a day later or arriving a day earlier to see if changing your departure days significantly reduces the price. Keep in mind if you do arrive early or stay late you will need to find housing.

4. Check out the non-western airlines:
www.gulfair.com
www.turkishairlines.com
www.rja.com.jo
www.syriaair.com/

And check with other major airfare sites:
www.sidestep.com/
www.quixo.com
www.travelocity.com
www.expedia.com
www.cheaptickets.com

Middle East Fellowship provides all participants with travel insurance through Travel Insure. This includes basic medial coverage and emergency evacuation coverage. It does NOT cover lost luggage or flight cancellations. The cost of travel insurance is included in the overall price of the program.